Augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) offer exciting opportunities for human computer interaction (HCI), the enhancement of places, and new business cases. Though VR is most popular for video games, especially among younger generations, AR and VR can also be used in applications that include military, medical, navigational, tourism, marketing, and maintenance uses. Research in these technologies along with 3D user interfaces has gained momentum in recent years and has solidified it as a staple technology for the foreseeable future. Multimedia and Sensory Input for Augmented, Mixed, and Virtual Reality includes a collection of business case studies covering a variety of topics related to AR, VR, and mixed reality (MR) including their use in possible applications. This book also touches on the diverse uses of AR and VR in many industries and discusses their importance, challenges, and opportunities. While discussing the use these technologies in sectors such as education, healthcare, and computer science, this book is ideal for computer scientists, engineers, practitioners, stakeholders, researchers, academicians, and students who are interested in the latest research on augmented, mixed, and virtual reality.

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, there is a strong sense of untapped potential and unfulfilled promises. People today possess an unprecedented amount of power through their technological gadgets but often remain unaware of how to wield it effectively. This lack of understanding and agency leads to a plethora of societal problems, from passive consumerism to environmental degradation, fostering a sense of helplessness. Considerations of Cyber Behavior and Mass Technology in Modern Society offer a comprehensive solution to this pressing issue. It is a scholarly beacon, guiding academic scholars and critical thinkers toward a profound reassessment of our relationship with technology and society. By delving into the intricate web of topics such as active citizenship, global information production, and the coexistence of consumer technology and freedom, our book presents an opportunity to explore the root causes of our modern-day challenges.

Motivation is an important factor in and for all education levels. However, as learners in online distance education milieus are away from both teachers, other learners, and the learning environments physically, this concept becomes more important for online education. Motivating learners in distance education and keeping their motivation alive throughout the learning process is an issue that should be emphasized and taken care of for teachers and instructional designers. At this point, although there are many approaches, models, and theories regarding enhancing and sustaining motivation and engagement in the education processes, it is seen that there is not enough work and/or effective and efficient strategies that can be applied in online distance learning environments. Motivation, Volition, and Engagement in Online Distance Learning evaluates motivational obstacles in online distance education both theoretically and practically, identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the online education environments regarding motivation, and provides actionable motivational and volitional strategies for online educators. This book offers coverage of topics such as learning theories, motivation research, and synchronous online learning environments, making it a valuable resource for researchers, professionals, decision makers, institutions in all education levels, academicians, pre-service teachers, and most importantly, online educators from various disciplines and learners from all educational landscapes.

This book presents a collection of the latest research in the area of immersive technologies, presented at the International Augmented and Virtual Reality Conference 2018 in Manchester, UK, and showcases how augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are transforming the business landscape. Innovations in this field are seen as providing opportunities for businesses to offer their customers unique services and experiences. The papers gathered here advance the state of the art in AR/VR technologies and their applications in various industries such as healthcare, tourism, hospitality, events, fashion, entertainment, retail, education and gaming. The volume collects contributions by prominent computer and social sciences experts from around the globe. Addressing the most significant topics in the field of augmented and virtual reality and sharing the latest findings, it will be of interest to academics and practitioners alike.

Academics 4.0 has become increasingly crucial in recent times due to the impact of Industry 4.0 on various fields. The emergence of disruptive technologies and the cyber-physical world has underscored the need for experts in these areas, which requires proper training of students from an early stage. Education 4.0 is essential in preparing faculties and students adequately for this purpose. This approach shifts the focus from teaching to learning and employs blended learning, MOOC courses, and flipped classrooms to achieve better understanding and application of knowledge. The practical aspect of the subject is discussed in the classroom, while the theoretical aspect is taught outside the class. The book, Architecture and Technological Advancements of Education 4.0, aims to explain the rationale, advantages, and features of Academics 4.0, explore assessment tools and techniques, and describe the national policy for bringing change in education. It also covers blended learning, MOOC courses, virtual labs, and mobile learning, with a focus on their benefits. The book will be useful for universities and educational entities that aim to follow Academics 4.0 in the education system, serve as a reference manual for research articles, and be helpful to faculties and academicians who wish to implement and assess online techniques. Additionally, it will be an excellent learning platform for providers and users of relevant domains, with a broad range of topics covering its impact on the education system, students, and workforce.

Augmented Reality (AR) refers to the merging of a live view of the physical, real world with context-sensitive, computer-generated images to create a mixed reality. Through this augmented vision, a user can digitally interact with and adjust information about their surrounding environment on-the-fly. Handbook of Augmented Reality provides an extensive overview of the current and future trends in Augmented Reality, and chronicles the dramatic growth in this field. The book includes contributions from world expert s in the field of AR from academia, research laboratories and private industry. Case studies and examples throughout the handbook help introduce the basic concepts of AR, as well as outline the Computer Vision and Multimedia techniques most commonly used today. The book is intended for a wide variety of readers including academicians, designers, developers, educators, engineers, practitioners, researchers, and graduate students. This book can also be beneficial for business managers, entrepreneurs, and investors.

The application of contemporary and emerging operational research optimization methods in renewable energy is vital to creating and maintaining sustainable environments across the planet. More research is needed to understand how modern and innovative technological solutions can enhance accessible global energy. Operational Research for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Environments is a critical scholarly resource that examines the efficient use of modern electrical technology and renewable energy sources that have a positive impact on sustainable development. Highlighting topics such as cogeneration thermal modules, photovoltaic (PV) solar, and renewable energy systems (RES) application practices, this publication is geared towards academics, advocates, government officials, policymakers, humanized managers, practitioners, professionals, and students interested in the latest research on renewable energy and clean technology for sustainable rural development.